I believe I've gotten through all the bonus features now. What comes to mind is how incredibly generous they were in this set. I can't believe they discussed so many episodes. And it was great to see Tom Newby explain the Gorgs and Doozers in more detail. I believe I'd seen him on the other sets from old '80s footage, so it was great to finally hear him talk. Techie type people would love this DVD, (Just in case you were wondering what to get your Techie relative or friend for Christmas! Hehe)
My favorite part of the bonus features was definitely the Scared Silly segment. Again, just a little tidbit that we didn't "need" to see, but were given anyway, which is awesome. It's definitely worth it, if only to see Richard Hunt declare Steve and Dave "Scaredy Cats 1 & 2!" Lol
It's always great to see Michael Firth being interviewed, he always comes across so friendly. And Kathy Mullen added new texture to the interviews as well; finally Mokey gets her well deserved due. Some of my favorite parts involved Michael and Kathy discussing these characters, their origins, and how much they obviously mean to them. Gerry Parks is very sweet and clearly understands how important it is to be part of a child's memory.
The episodes themselves are starting to become infinitely more interesting and relevant (if that was possible! Hehe). I remember watching "Mean Genie" for the first time years ago and being quite traumatized. It's still pretty scary now, but in a very different way. Wembley learns that if you stay silent, evil will flourish.
I think "Believe it Or Not" contains one of the most hard hitting lines (and themes) of the entire series, "It's all your fault he's a monster,
you monster!" Skenrith may look scary while a monster, but what's truly frightening is how closed minded and smug Ma Gorg is behaving. So much of our reality depends on our own point of view. You can't let fear keep you from understanding a person or group. (Though I don't entirely blame Ma Gorg, considering the two wimps she has to live with! Hehe)
Gobo learns selflessness the hard way in "Grapes of Generosity," lol. It's always nice for me to see Gobo occasionally make mistakes and paic, after always being so brave and perfect. I found the reaction of the other Fraggles interesting when they discover the mess Gobo got himself into. You would think they'd be shocked and scold him for his selfishness. Instead...they laugh! The attitude seems to be, "Oh boy, look at what you got yourself into! Lol" A friend of mine pointed out "Fraggely" their reaction is. After all you wouldn't expect the Doozers, the Gorgs or even Doc and Sprocket to reacte that way.
"Bored Still" is just utterly adorable. Especially as we discover Junior's surprising affection for the Fraggles. Actually it does make sense when you think about it; Junior rarely gets to have fun, he's too busy taking orders from his parents. Chasing Fraggles offers some relief from his bosy father with his never ending commands. Junior's basically a child being raised to hate another group. He's also a very lonely creature. The Fraggles could be his friends, but he's been taught that they're the enemy. Plus, it must be fun to dominate over smaller creatures after always being pushed around himself.
Still, this episode proves he still has a mind of his own and perhaps this could be the beginning of a beautiful (if unusual) friendship.
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